I’ve been conducting research into the benefits of a mindful yoga practice for ageing well. I know from many years as a practitioner and teacher that yoga can benefit us in so many ways at any age, but as I’ve aged and the average age of attendees of my classes has naturally increased, I’m interested in feedback about how specifically attending mindful yoga classes promotes positive ageing. This is what I’ve gleaned:
- It aids mobility, flexibility and balance
- It improves and maintains strength
- It allows a release of tension
- It promotes a feeling of calm
- It aids relaxation and sleep
- We learn to harness the powerful resource of the breath
- It enables us to be more embodied, taking us out of our heads
- It decreases feelings of stress and anxiety
- It allows an awareness of our body & its needs & capabilities
- It gives us the opportunity to appreciate what we can do without any sense of perfection
- It keeps us in the present moment
- It’s a chance to leave our worries at the door & to laugh
- It bolsters mental health
- It’s a very individualised approach, where everyone’s needs can be met, and provides an environment for learning, growth and adapting to our changing needs as we age
- Grounding, resting and relaxation are vital
- It’s not just about the physical practice; it’s also about the social connections we make, the sharing of ideas & tales from our lives
- Everyone of any age can do it!
And it’s NOT:
- Achieving a ‘perfect’ pose (whatever that might be!)
- Competitive (with anyone else or with yourself)
- Pushing yourself, causing pain or even injury
- Wearing expensive branded yoga clothing
- Being super skinny and super bendy
- Just for women